Our client is an organisation dedicated wholly to safeguarding Suffolk’s wildlife and countryside.

As Head of Conservation you will develop and implement their conservation vision to make Suffolk a richer place for wildlife and people. You will help drive the changes needed to make Suffolk’s countryside a place where wildlife thrives. You will join the Senior Management Team and play a leading role developing and delivering their future strategy.

Their fantastic suite of nature reserves includes three National Nature Reserves which have been the focus of innovative projects (e.g. the restoration of Redgrave & Lopham Fen NNR), and habitat creation (Hen Reedbeds, Suffolk Coast NNR) as well as the creation of new habitat mosaics on former arable land (Arger Fen & Spouse’s Vale).

Thanks to a grant of £4 million they will now create a 1,000 acre nature reserve in the Broads National Park on the edge of Lowestoft. Under your supervision and guidance former arable fields will become reedbed, fen and wetlands to attract some of the UK’s rarest breeding species. You will also oversee changes at Black Bourn Valley where a 300 acre former arable farm is developing into a mosaic of rough grassland, scrub and wet woodland.

They manage land for corporate partners so you will develop these relationships to secure further gains for wildlife. You will manage the wider conservation resources, such as conservation advisers and planning team, who influence the management of Suffolk’s wider countryside. You will also lead the recruitment of a new role of Farm Conservation Advisor who will help deliver the Living Landscapes vision by working with farmers.

Our client is looking for someone with considerable experience of leading staff and volunteers and has the vision and motivation to inspire others. You should have substantial experience in the delivery of nature conservation on nature reserves and in the wider countryside in the UK. Experience of managing budgets and as a media spokesperson on nature conservation issues is required.

If you have a sound understanding of policies affecting the natural environment and the principles of ecology and habitat management, they would love to hear from you!